The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has released the Visa Bulletin for July 2025, providing updates on employment-based green card categories. According to the bulletin, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue to use the Final Action Dates for processing employment-based green card applications in July, consistent with prior months, rather than the Dates for Filing.
For the employment-based first preference (EB-1) category, the priority date remains current, meaning there are no backlogs for filing green card applications or obtaining immigrant visas. Applicants within the United States can simultaneously file their I-140 petition and I-485 adjustment of status application. For those outside the U.S., no waiting period is required for visa processing as long as the category remains current. However, due to existing visa backlogs at U.S. embassies and consulates, applicants abroad may experience delays in scheduling visa interviews despite the current status.
The employment-based second preference (EB-2) category, which includes professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability, shows no progress from the previous month. The priority date for filing I-485 applications or securing immigrant visa interviews remains October 15, 2023. This means applicants must have filed their I-140 petition on or before this date to be eligible to file I-485 applications (for those in the U.S.) or to schedule visa interviews (for those abroad).
In the employment-based third preference (EB-3) category, there is notable advancement for both skilled and unskilled workers. For skilled workers, those with labor certifications filed and approved on or before April 1, 2023, can file I-485 applications in July, marking a nearly two-month improvement from the previous month. Similarly, applicants outside the U.S. with approved labor certifications filed by April 1, 2023, are eligible to schedule visa interviews in July.
For unskilled workers, those with labor certifications filed and approved on or before July 8, 2021, can file I-485 applications, reflecting a two-week advancement from June. Applicants abroad in this subcategory with approved labor certifications filed by July 8, 2021, can also schedule visa interviews in July.
The employment-based fourth preference (EB-4) category, which includes special immigrants and religious workers, is currently unavailable. The U.S. Department of State had announced that the annual visa limit for this category was reached within the first five months of the fiscal year. As a result, no additional visas or green cards will be issued in this category until the new fiscal year begins on October 1, 2025. Applicants in this category will need to wait until the next fiscal year for further processing opportunities.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
